AIR NIUGINI STAFF PREPARE FOR AIRBUS A220 WITH INNOVATIVE UPSKILLING PROGRAM

MEDIA RELEASE

Air Niugini recently participated in the first “Airbus Beyond” Training Program to be delivered in Papua New Guinea—an integral part of the airline’s preparation for the arrival of the state-of-the-art Airbus A220 in September this year.

This pioneering initiative brought together 18 staff members from various departments and ports, within Air Niugini for an intensive, interactive training program from 23 to 26 June 2025. 

Designed to be immersive and gamified, the training had candidates simulate managing and operating an airline. 

This pushed the groups to engage in real-time decision-making through hands-on simulations covering fleet planning, cost management, safety, and service delivery.

Participants were challenged to design and manage airline networks, optimize routes and capacity, and navigate real-world operational scenarios. 

The focus was on building critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills, key attributes needed to meet the technological and operational demands of the incoming narrow and widebody fleet.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon, congratulated the participants, highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative.

“This program is more than just training. It represents a journey of transformation for Air Niugini. By blending global aviation best practices with immersive, gamified learning, we are equipping our people to thrive in a fast-evolving industry. We are developing the skills of future airline leaders” Mr. Seddon said.

“Take what you’ve learned and bring it to life in your workplace. This training marks a new chapter in our re-fleeting journey, and each of you plays a vital role in our success. The future is bright, and we must embrace it with confidence and commitment.”

Air Niugini recognises that there is a lot to be achieved within our transformation program. 

Most of our programs are focused on improving service and product delivery. However, we must still ensure succession planning persists, to future proof the business.

As Air Niugini prepares to welcome the first of its Airbus A220 aircraft in September, the airline reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and regional connectivity. 

The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort—marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

End….//

Corporate Communications Department 

Monday, 07th July 2025

Read More

Air Niugini Completes A220 Cabin Crew Training in Zurich, Prepares for Further Training in Melbourne

Port Moresby, July 1, 2025 – Air Niugini is proud to announce the successful completion of its Airbus A220 Cabin Crew “Train-the-Trainer” program at the Airbus Training Centre in Zurich, Switzerland—marking a key milestone in the lead-up to the arrival of its new A220 fleet later this year.

The specialized program equips Air Niugini’s lead cabin crew instructors with the necessary certification and expertise to train the broader cabin crew team in preparation for the A220’s entry into service. The intensive training focused on aircraft-specific safety procedures, service protocols, emergency operations, and technical systems unique to the A220.

Ten senior members of Air Niugini’s cabin crew participated in the program, including Ms. Kei Veni, Ms. Tabitha Kaetovuhu, and Mr. Jeremy Nungwehim. All participants successfully completed the training and expressed their excitement about contributing to a new chapter in the airline’s history.

“This program not only strengthens our internal training capacity but also ensures our crew is fully prepared to deliver a world-class experience onboard the A220,” said Gary Seddon, CEO of Air Niugini. “The professionalism and commitment shown by our cabin crew reflect the high standards we are setting for the future of our airline.”

Following the Zurich training, additional cabin crew will now travel to Melbourne, Australia, for further A220 training in the coming weeks as part of Air Niugini’s comprehensive Entry Into Service (EIS) program.

Meanwhile, the first A220 aircraft has entered the paint shop phase, with delivery preparations well underway. Air Niugini is coordinating the aircraft’s journey to Papua New Guinea alongside stringent safety and regulatory checks.

The airline is working in close partnership with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG (CASAPNG) to ensure full compliance with national and international aviation standards.

Flight crew training is also progressing at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, where pilots are undergoing A220 type-rating and simulator programs.

“We are grateful for the continued cooperation of CASAPNG as we prepare to welcome the A220 to PNG’s skies,” added Seddon. “This aircraft represents a step-change in comfort, efficiency, and reliability for our passengers.”

Air Niugini’s new A220 fleet is expected to begin commercial operations in September 2025, ushering in a new era of aviation for Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region.

Read More

AIR NIUGINI COMPLETES A220 CABIN CREW TRAINING PROGRAM IN ZURICH, PREPARES FOR FURTHER TRAINING IN MELBOURNE

MEDIA RELEASE

Air Niugini is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Airbus A220 cabin crew program at the Airbus Training Centre in Zurich, Switzerland—another important milestone as the airline prepares for the introduction of its new A220 fleet later this year.

 

This specialized program equips Air Niugini’s lead cabin crew instructors with the skills and certification required to deliver A220 training to the wider cabin crew team, supporting the airline’s long-term training capability and operational readiness. 

The program focused on safety procedures, aircraft-specific systems, service standards, and emergency protocols tailored to the A220.

Ten members of Air Niugini cabin crew attended the training, including Ms. Kei Veni, Ms. Tabitha Kaetovuhu and Mr. Jeremy Nungwehim. Together with their colleagues, are very thankful for the opportunity and are excited with the arrival of the new fleet. 

They all successfully passed the program, with flying colours!

Additional Air Niugini cabin crew will now proceed to Melbourne, Australia, for further A220 training over the coming weeks as part of the airline’s comprehensive Entry Into Service (EIS) program.

The first A220 aircraft is now progressing to the paint shop stage, with delivery preparations underway. The journey to Papua New Guinea is currently being coordinated in parallel with efforts to ensure full regulatory compliance.

Air Niugini is working in close partnership with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG (CASAPNG) to meet all safety and certification requirements for entry into service. 

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to safety, regulatory adherence, and the successful introduction of the aircraft into PNG’s commercial aviation system.

Flight crew training is also progressing at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, where pilots are undergoing A220 type-rating and simulator training to support operations from day one.

“The successful completion of the Train-the-Trainer program in Zurich is a critical step toward building our internal training capability and delivering a world-class onboard experience,” said Gary Seddon, CEO of Air Niugini. “We’re grateful for the strong cooperation of our regulator, CASAPNG, as we work together to safely introduce this game-changing aircraft to PNG skies.”

Air Niugini’s Airbus A220 fleet will begin entering service in September 2025, ushering in a new era of comfort, efficiency, and reliability for passengers across Papua New Guinea and the region.

Corporate Communications Department

Wednesday 02nd July 2025

Read More